WORK will start on resurrecting Dowlish Wake’s beloved community pavilion from the ashes in just two weeks, after planning permission was approved.

Mike Lane, chairman of the Dowlish Wake Playing Field Trust, has announced that contracts are set to be signed this week and work will get underway on the build phase of Project Phoenix on September 4.

He said: “I am delighted to announce that we have received full planning permission, and have appointed W. Coombes of Ilminster to carry out construction of the pavilion.

“The first phase will consist of building the main pavilion as planned, all external doors and windows, all internal ceilings and walls, electrics and all plastering.

“We have the funds available to reach this stage, whilst still prudently keeping funds aside for general trust commitments and unforeseen circumstances.

“With a following wind, we hope the main build will be finished by February, and then we can start on the internal fitting out and decorating.

“It was always planned that this would be done by volunteers, and this is still likely to be the case to a greater or lesser extent.

“Where we can save money by doing things ourselves we certainly will. But we do have three important grant applications ongoing, and one or more of these will make it easier to get some of the work done by contractors, which would obviously be desirable.

“We also have landscaping and other items to think about at the end of the build, so we will be holding more fundraising events next year.

“I’d once again like to thank all of you for your support in so many ways over the last eleven months.

It is a shame that due to circumstances beyond our control we could not have started work sooner, but I know all of you will be delighted that this special moment has been reached, and that we will have a new pavilion standing on the Lawrence Kellett Playing Field next year.”

The trust will be celebrating the start of work with a Phoenix Rises BBQ at the New Inn on Saturday, September 9, from 4pm to 8pm.

Tickets are available from the New Inn, and are £10.

This includes a welcome glass of Pimms.

£5 from each ticket will go to the Phoenix fund, and will be earmarked for buying items for the internal works.